Withdrawals & Readmission
The process for withdrawing as a student from Fairfield University, as well as the readmission process, are contained in the Student Handbook. In addition, the following information may be of additional help:
How are withdrawals indicated on a student's transcript?
What is the readmission process?
Who makes the decision on applications for readmission?
Does a student's health insurance continue while he or she is withdrawn from Fairfield University?
How is a student's financial aid impacted as a result of being withdrawn from Fairfield University? Is there insurance available?
Will my tuition or room/board charges be refunded upon being withdrawn from Fairfield University?
What information about the withdrawal must the student present to another college or university if he or she applies for admission?
Helpful Contact Information
1. How are withdrawals indicated on a student's academic transcript?
All withdrawals are noted in the same manner on a student's transcript regardless of the reason. They are reported at the specific semester as "withdrawn". In the University's files, the specific reason for the withdrawal will be noted (e.g. voluntary, financial, disciplinary, medical, etc.)
2. What is the readmission process?
The readmission process is outlined in the Student Handbook. Any student who is withdrawn from the University must be readmitted before taking classes in any school of Fairfield University.
3. Who makes the decision on applications for readmission?
The Office of the Academic Vice President makes final decisions about readmission applications upon the recommendation of the appropriate dean's office. If a student is withdrawn for disciplinary, welfare, academic, medical, financial, or other reasons, he or she must fulfill all obligations and requirements to the appropriate office before seeking readmission. Upon completion of any requirements, the student must write to the dean's office that approved the withdrawal and indicate his or her desire to return to Fairfield and the reasons for doing so. The dean's office, in turn, will review the request and forward it, along with a recommendation, to the Office of the Academic Vice President for a formal letter of admission (if approved).
4. Does a student's health insurance continue while he or she is withdrawn from Fairfield University?
A student health insurance plan purchased through the University-endorsed company is an annual plan that continues through August 15th of each year regardless of whether or not the student remains at Fairfield University.
Students with private insurance coverage, either individually or as part of their parents' plan, should contact their individual insurance companies for information pertaining to eligibility and coverage. Insurance policies vary greatly, and there may be age requirements or other requirements pertaining to "student" status.
5. How is a student's financial aid impacted as a result of being withdrawn from Fairfield University?
Payments towards federal Stafford loans must begin 6 months after the last date of attendance, per federal regulations. If the student is readmitted to Fairfield University or enrolls at another institution prior to the 6-month grace period and is registered for a minimum of 6 credits, payment on the loans should be deferred.
According to federal regulations, if a student withdraws from Fairfield for any reason prior to the 60% mark in the semester, a portion of any Title IV aid must be returned to the lender. At that point, the student account will be charged for the difference which will be due immediately. After the 60% mark, there is no return to the lender.
Should a student seek and be granted readmission, the student must submit an appeal letter to the Office of Financial Aid asking for the reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. Full-time undergraduates are eligible for institutional aid for 8 consecutive semesters beginning with the semester they enroll as a first-time freshman. If a student is withdrawn, the term(s) missed are counted towards the 8 consecutive semesters of eligibility. For example, a student who is withdrawn after two semesters at Fairfield, and does not seek readmission until one more semester has passed, has only five consecutive semesters of eligibility remaining for institutional aid. All applicants for aid must file the appropriate aid application(s) by the specified deadlines.
Students who may anticipate medical or other issues arising during the course of the academic year which may require them to withdraw from Fairfield at some point during the year are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing tuition insurance. Fairfield provides information about this coverage from a third-party vendor under whose plan a student may be eligible to receive a 100% refund (beyond the institutional refund policy) for withdrawals related to physical health issues and a 60% refund for withdrawals related to mental health issues. Information about such insurance is sent annually by the Office of the University Bursar.
6. Will my tuition or room/board charges be refunded upon being withdrawn from Fairfield University?
The refund policy is outlined in the Student Handbook, as well as Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs, and is published by the Office of the University Bursar. The refund policy is based upon the period in the semester when the withdrawal takes place. Any outstanding charges (e.g. parking tickets, Health Center charges, library fees, student housing damage) and repayment of financial aid will be deducted from any refund.
Any StagBucks balance (e.g. additional cash value the student has placed on his or her StagCard, above or beyond the Dining Dollars amount that is part of a University meal plan) is refundable to the student, less a processing fee.
7. What information about the withdrawal must the student present to another college or university if he or she applies for admission?
The student must comply with the admission requirements of the particular college or university. If the school requires a "Dean's Certification", or similar document, as part of the transfer application process, Fairfield University will not release such information without the written consent of the student. The University releases only information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Generally, many state or public universities do not require such certification forms, while many private colleges and universities do.
8. Helpful Contact Information:
Office of the Dean of Students
Barone Campus Center, 408
ext. 4211
Office of the University Bursar
McAuliffe Hall, 301
ext. 4102
Office of Financial Aid
Donnarumma Hall, 241
ext. 4125
Health Center
Dolan Hall
ext. 2241
Counseling Center
Dolan Hall
ext. 2146
Office of the University Registrar
Canisius Hall, 200
ext. 4288
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